The vessel has dual-fuel diesel electric propulsion along with a battery bank to provie emissions-free power when in port.
Danish naval architectural consultancy Knud E. Hansen has developed the design for an Icebreaking expedition cruise vessel with a high degree of operational flexibility and a wide range of sophisticated design features. At 144 meters long, the vessel can accommodate 300 passengers in 150 ultramodern cabins that offer an exceptional sailing experience.
The vessel has a service speed of 17 knots in open water and can operate in solid multi-year ice of 1.8 meter thickness. The vessel has dual-fuel diesel electric propulsion, and two 7.5 MW Azipod-units. The six generators have a combined power of approximately 23 MW and are fueled by a combination of marine diesel oil (MDO), and natural gas (LNG). There are two tunnel thrusters, each abt. 1,500 kW, located at the bow, which combined with the twin Azipod arrangement, provide a high degree of maneuverability. There is also a large lithium-ion battery bank to power the vessel while dockside, resulting in no port emissions. The vessel has a range of 8,100 nautical miles in open water.
Public spaces include a bar/lounge, multi-purpose lounge, library, gift shop, observation lounge, fitness room/spa including a panorama ice bar, as well as a pool and jogging area. The vessel also features a large tender garage for stowing Zodiacs and other expedition equipment that can be easily launched through a shell door on the port side.
The vessel has a large helicopter deck aft where the helicopter with a hangar on the deck below. There are two service elevators and three passenger elevators providing access to all accommodation decks.
The vessel also includes a dedicate cargo hold with overhead hatch and davit system for stowing and deploying special, expeditionary cargo in remote locations along the cruise.
The majority of passenger cabins have private balconies with ocean views. The passenger cabins feature the Knud E. Hansen “Flex Cabin System,” which allows for cabin walls to be easily reconfigured between sailings to convert a single, luxury suite into two separate cabins. This allows the operator to maximize revenue based on specific demand.
The vessel is fully SOLAS compliant. Knud E. Hansen aims to achieve the highest level of survivability with strict adherence to Safe Return to Port (SRtP) requirements through the inclusion of redundant, segregated power and propulsion systems as well as passenger safe havens and an auxiliary wheelhouse. Special attention has been observed in regard to the MARPOL regulations and the Polar Code.
Length o.a 144.20 m
Length b.p 127.60 m
Breadth, molded 22.00 m
Depth, molded to deck 39.20 m
Design draft 7.00 m
Deadweight 1965 t
Deadweight 1965 t
Ice class PC3
Max number of passengers 300
Number of crew 150
